Sunday, February 1, 2015

Hewitt excited for fresh start, would not change a thing about time with Phils

Anthony Hewiit, image- Jay Floyd

Considered a bust by many for failing to live up to first round draft pick expectations during his tenure in the Phillies organization, Anthony Hewitt is looking for a fresh start with a new team after signing with Baltimore last week.

Selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft out of Salisbury High School in Connecticut, Hewitt was selected as a shortstop and converted to an outfielder. He spent six seasons in the Phils developmental ranks and did not develop into the offensive threat that the team anticipated he could become.

After signing for $1.38 million, the six-foot-one 190-pounder went on the tally a .223/.264/.370 slash line in 595 career games, highlighted by an All-Star campaign for Class A Lakewood in 2011 in which he posted a .240 average with 14 home runs, 55 RBI and 36 steals in 119 games.

Last season, in his second campaign at Double-A Reading, Hewitt sported a .140 batting average with one homer and eight RBI through 34 games when he was demoted to Class A Advanced Clearwater. After heading south, Hewitt proceeded to strike out 15 times in 31 plate appearances before the Phillies decided to part ways with the once highly regarded prospect.

Despite the rocky road, the righty batting Hewitt asserts that he's pleased with his time and his efforts with the Phils.

"My time with the Phillies was a learning experience. I would not change a thing," Hewitt stated.

The 25-year-old indicated there were multiple teams interested in his services and is excited to start fresh with a new organization.

"My agent and I felt the Baltimore Orioles would be a perfect fit," Hewitt said. "I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity the Baltimore Orioles have given me and I'm happy to be a part of the Baltimore Oriole family."

Hewitt received a jolt due to the lengthy off-season which came as a result of being released in June last season, stating it was like no other off-season he had ever experienced. He spent the down time regrouping, making adjustments and training. The Brooklyn, NY native knew all the while that his playing days weren't over.

With new challenges ahead, the newest Orioles minor leaguer is already looking forward to seeing familiar faces during the upcoming spring schedule.

"I'm really looking forward to playing against the Phillies," Hewitt exclaimed.